2/16/11

Are you looking for new housing trends, photos from the New American Home,travel destinations, or decorating ideas? We know the place to go!
Check out The Official Lifestylist® Channel - a place where we are putting together videos and information that can help you find the answers you are looking for.
There are lots of new projects in in production - we would love to hear from you and know what you'd be interested in seeing. Next week we are off to Arizona to visit The Mosaic Cafe, Sabino Canyon and Old Scottsdale! We will also be getting some advice from Thermador on what are the best appliances for my cooking style.Lifestylist® Designed homes are becoming something that consumers are asking for, and we will be sharing some of our latest designs soon as well. Visit our new channel often to stay in touch - we'll see you there!

2/12/11

Are you looking for something easy and memorable to do for the special person in your life on Valentine's Day?
These White Chocolate Citrus Truffles will be a gift to remember. I entered these in the State Fair of Texas this year and they were a huge hit.INGREDIENTS:
3/4 Cup Heavy Cream
Zest of 1 Orange
Zest of 1 Lemon
2 lbs. White Chocolate
1 Tablespoon Shortening
Combine zests and heavy cream in a small saucepan - simmer until bubbles appear.
Remove from heat and let sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, warm up again until bubbles appear.
Melt 1 lb. white chocolate, strain cream mixture and add to chocolate. Stir gently and allow to cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
Roll ganache into 1 inch round balls, then put in freezer to set at least 2 hours.
Melt remaining white chocolate, and stir in shortening. Dip centers into chocolate, then garnish with orange zest.

2/11/11

2011 is looking like it's going to be a busy year! I was at Champion Homes of Texas the other day, and saw lots of new faces and activity. They are looking at some new Lifestylist® Designed decors and homes that are going to leave the competition in their dust!Champion Homes has new owners and a new CEO, and I think there are some very exciting changes coming.
If you haven't visited with them lately, you need to get with sales manager Jimmy Griffith at: 817-295-2267 and see what's new.

2/9/11

Finally! A group that is focused on Animal Rescue. Animal Rescue Corps is a new group that was started by Scotlund Haisley and his talented team that has more than 40 years collective experience in animal protection. As a Lifestylist®, I'm thrilled to be involved with this wonderful, important organization.
To make people aware of the group, Animal Rescue Corps is holding a drawing. Simply share your email address with them if you haven't already, and you will automatically be entered into a random drawing for a Valentine's gift package that includes: ARC gear, dog & cat goodies, and movie memorabilia from ARC's own Elaine Hendrix.

Finally! A group that is focused on Animal Rescue. Animal Rescue Corps is a new group that was started by Scotlund Haisley and his talented team that has more than 40 years collective experience in animal protection. As a Lifestylist®, I'm thrilled to be involved with this wonderful, important organization.

To make people aware of the group, Animal Rescue Corps is holding a drawing. Simply share your email address with them if you haven't already, and you will automatically be entered into a random drawing for a Valentine's gift package that includes: ARC gear, dog & cat goodies, and movie memorabilia from ARC's own Elaine Hendrix.

2/7/11

Valentines Day is almost here! I love making gifts for my family, friends and clients, and this is the goodie they always ask for.
At the recent IBS Show in Orlando I had my granddaughter help me make up some cookies and candy that I brought to the NAHB staff and to my favorite clients - it was a huge success. That is one of the important parts of being a Lifestylist® to me - using my talents to bring joy to others.
I've been entering variations of this toffee in the State Fair of Texas for years and this is the version that everyone asks for.
The key to candy making is having a good thermometer, and when I invested in a digital one it made all of the difference in the world. As soon as the temperature gets up to around 250 degrees start watching very closely - it will get to the optimum temperature quickly and if it heats to even 5 degrees more than it should it will burn. Enjoy!
Texas Butter Pecan Toffee
Ingredients:
1 lb Texas pecans
1 lb butter + 2 tablespoons butter for pecans
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup light Karo syrup
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 lb chocolate chips
Directions:
In a skillet, stir butter and pecans together - cook over a low heat until lightly toasted. Remove from heat.
In a medium saucepan combine the rest of the butter, sugar, water and Karo syrup. Stir until mixture comes to a boil, then continue to cook without stirring until mixture reaches a temperature of 290 degrees. Stir in half of the pecans to mixture and turn out onto a 12” x 18” baking sheet. Sprinkle top with chocolate chips and spread after they melt - then sprinkle rest of pecans on top and allow to cool. Break into bite sized pieces.

Valentines Day is almost here! I love making gifts for my family, friends and clients, and this is the goodie they always ask for.

At the recent IBS Show in Orlando I had my granddaughter help me make up some cookies and candy that I brought to the NAHB staff and to my favorite clients - it was a huge success. That is one of the important parts of being a Lifestylist® to me - using my talents to bring joy to others.

I've been entering variations of this toffee in the State Fair of Texas for years and this is the version that everyone asks for.The key to candy making is having a good thermometer, and when I invested in a digital one it made all of the difference in the world. As soon as the temperature gets up to around 250 degrees start watching very closely - it will get to the optimum temperature quickly and if it heats to even 5 degrees more than it should it will burn. Enjoy!

Texas Butter Pecan ToffeeIngredients:1 lb Texas pecans1 lb butter + 2 tablespoons butter for pecans1/2 cup water1/4 cup light Karo syrup1 1/2 cups sugar1 teaspoon vanilla1 lb chocolate chipsDirections:In a skillet, stir butter and pecans together - cook over a low heat until lightly toasted. Remove from heat.In a medium saucepan combine the rest of the butter, sugar, water and Karo syrup. Stir until mixture comes to a boil, then continue to cook without stirring until mixture reaches a temperature of 290 degrees. Stir in half of the pecans to mixture and turn out onto a 12” x 18” baking sheet. Sprinkle top with chocolate chips and spread after they melt - then sprinkle rest of pecans on top and allow to cool. Break into bite sized pieces.

2/6/11

This Lifestylist® got a lovely thank-you note the other day from a reader. I had recommended The Gaylord Texan as the place to stay during Super Bowl XLV, and they couldn't agree more! With North Texas having the coldest weather we've had in years, being in the wonderful atmosphere of The Gaylord Texan with all of it's attractions, shopping and dining under one roof is definitely the place to be.
We have had the wonderful opportunity to meet with John Imaizumi - Senior Vice President and General Manager. It is obvious from the moment that you meet him why his "Stars" (what the employees are considered) and guests love him so much. His honest compassion and love for this group shines through, and you can see his attention to detail everywhere you turn.
Even if you aren't staying at this hotel, it's the perfect place to just go spend the day during your Super Bowl XLV visit. The Gaylord Texan is the official hotel for The Dallas Cowboys and is close to the stadium and DFW airport. There is great shopping for those Texas themed items, and coffee shops for you to just sit and people watch from.
The Old Hickory Steakhouse is our favorite restaurant in North Texas, and not only is the food spectacular, the staff knows how to make everyone feel important as well. Executive Chef Joanne Bondy prepares her signature dishes including her Habanero Cream Corn that I can't get enough of! They also have tableside service for their artisanal cheeses and desserts.
If you want to get some lighter fare and focus on a wine tasting, be sure and visit Old Hickory's upstairs wine bar and veranda. It features an Enomatic wine system, and you can get flights of wines that you have always wanted to try in as little as a one ounce pour.
Ready to kick up your heels? The Glass Cactus Nightclub that is also part of the Gaylord Texan is the place to be. It boasts 39,000 sq. ft. of indoor floor space and has 13,000 sq. ft. of outdoor decks overlooking Lake Grapevine. They'll be having a special "Big Game" viewing and After-Party on the 6th.
We'd love to hear about your experiences at the places we recommend - feel free to let us know at: answers@lifestylist.com
Make sure and let people know that The Lifestylist® sent you - we love sharing our favorite destinations.

2/4/11

There are thousands of show homes built every year, but Champion Homes discovered a way to really set themselves apart from the crowd while doing a wonderful thing.
At the recent International Builders Show in Orlando, their Genesis division unveiled "The Tyler" - a beautiful modular home that was built at Champion's manufacturing facility in Lake City, FL. The home showcased how beautiful accessible design can be. The kitchen and master bath had the necessary clear space radius, and the wider hallways allowed for wheelchair accessibility. the home was filled with lots of innovative products - I especially loved the storage options that were shown.
The home was part of the NextGen Experience and was in the outdoor village at the show. Now that the show is over, Champion is teaming up with the non-profit organization Rebuilding Together and will be delivering the home to a lot in Tampa where it will be reassembled. The home has been donated to Mr. Waldemar Alameda and his family. Mr. Waldemar served our country in multiple tours of Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, and was severely injured in an IED explosion.
The home is beautiful inside and out, and I love the exterior elevation. The trim and color accents give the home lots of character and allow it to fit into almost any neighborhood in any part of the country.
As the Lifestylist® for Champion Homes of Texas, I couldn't be more proud of Champion and their giving spirit, and I hope that this home serves as an example of what can be accomplished with factory built housing and a company that knows how to give back to the community.

There are thousands of show homes built every year, but Champion Homes discovered a way to really set themselves apart from the crowd while doing a wonderful thing.

At the recent International Builders Show in Orlando, their Genesis division unveiled "The Tyler" - a beautiful modular home that was built at Champion's manufacturing facility in Lake City, FL. The home showcased how beautiful accessible design can be. The kitchen and master bath had the necessary clear space radius, and the wider hallways allowed for wheelchair accessibility. the home was filled with lots of innovative products - I especially loved the storage options that were shown.

The home was part of the NextGen Experience and was in the outdoor village at the show. Now that the show is over, Champion is teaming up with the non-profit organization Rebuilding Together and will be delivering the home to a lot in Tampa where it will be reassembled. The home has been donated to Mr. Waldemar Alameda and his family. Mr. Waldemar served our country in multiple tours of Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, and was severely injured in an IED explosion.

The home is beautiful inside and out, and I love the exterior elevation. The trim and color accents give the home lots of character and allow it to fit into almost any neighborhood in any part of the country.

As the Lifestylist® for Champion Homes of Texas, I couldn't be more proud of Champion and their giving spirit, and I hope that this home serves as an example of what can be accomplished with factory built housing and a company that knows how to give back to the community.

2/3/11

After years of build up and waiting, Super XLV has come to North Texas! Even with this crazy weather we are seeing more people trying out our favorite places to eat, drink, and be social. I found another great article written by a NT Times writer about where to go, and I love that he mentioned Bolsa - one of my favorite spots right here in The Lifestylist's neighborhood - Oak Cliff.
Bolsa is one of our many restaurants that has focused on using as many ingredients as possible that are locally grown or produced. Everything is super fresh, and the wonderful staff and atmosphere make it a great place to hang out.
The cheese flight is wonderful and a perfect starting point. My favorite entree is the Jimmy's Pizza. It's on a paper thin flatbread and has just enough heat to make me happy.
Save room for dessert - we tried the peanut butter and jelly Panna Cotta was heaven, and drizzled with local honey. Other recent choices were Chocolate Chunk Tart, Lemon Honey Cake and White Chocolate Rum Tart.
Prices are reasonable, and they have a great covered patio for warmer days that is pet friendly.

This Lifestylist® got a lovely thank-you note the other day from a reader. I had recommended The Gaylord Texan as the place to stay during Super Bowl XLV, and they couldn't agree more! With North Texas having the coldest weather we've had in years, being in the wonderful atmosphere of The Gaylord Texan with all of it's attractions, shopping and dining under one roof is definitely the place to be.

We have had the wonderful opportunity to meet with John Imaizumi - Senior Vice President and General Manager. It is obvious from the moment that you meet him why his "Stars" (what the employees are considered) and guests love him so much. His honest compassion and love for this group shines through, and you can see his attention to detail everywhere you turn.

Even if you aren't staying at this hotel, it's the perfect place to just go spend the day during your Super Bowl XLV visit. The Gaylord Texan is the official hotel for The Dallas Cowboys and is close to the stadium and DFW airport. There is great shopping for those Texas themed items, and coffee shops for you to just sit and people watch from.

The Old Hickory Steakhouse is our favorite restaurant in North Texas, and not only is the food spectacular, the staff knows how to make everyone feel important as well. Executive Chef Joanne Bondy prepares her signature dishes including her Habanero Cream Corn that I can't get enough of! They also have tableside service for their artisanal cheeses and desserts.

If you want to get some lighter fare and focus on a wine tasting, be sure and visit Old Hickory's upstairs wine bar and veranda. It features an Enomatic wine system, and you can get flights of wines that you have always wanted to try in as little as a one ounce pour.

Ready to kick up your heels? The Glass Cactus Nightclub that is also part of the Gaylord Texan is the place to be. It boasts 39,000 sq. ft. of indoor floor space and has 13,000 sq. ft. of outdoor decks overlooking Lake Grapevine. They'll be having a special "Big Game" viewing and After-Party on the 6th.

We'd love to hear about your experiences at the places we recommend - feel free to let us know at: answers@lifestylist.com

Make sure and let people know that The Lifestylist® sent you - we love sharing our favorite destinations.

Bolsa is one of our many restaurants that has focused on using as many ingredients as possible that are locally grown or produced. Everything is super fresh, and the wonderful staff and atmosphere make it a great place to hang out.

The cheese flight is wonderful and a perfect starting point. My favorite entree is the Jimmy's Pizza. It's on a paper thin flatbread and has just enough heat to make me happy.

Save room for dessert - we tried the peanut butter and jelly Panna Cotta was heaven, and drizzled with local honey. Other recent choices were Chocolate Chunk Tart, Lemon Honey Cake and White Chocolate Rum Tart.

Prices are reasonable, and they have a great covered patio for warmer days that is pet friendly.

2/1/11

It is FREEZING here today -last night a "northerner" blew in bringing ice, snow and frigid temperatures to Texas. Fortunately I went shopping yesterday and stocked the shelves of things this Lifestylist® loves to cook.
Vegetable soup is so easy to make from scratch - all it takes is your favorite vegetables, some chicken or vegetable stock and my secret ingredient - a few cans of Ro-Tel. I just prep all of the vegetables, put them in my slow cooker, add the stock and Ro-Tel and let it cook for 2 - 3 hours. It couldn't be easier and healthier. I make enough to last a few days so I can be as lazy as I want to.

It's beginning to look like the interest in The New American Home 2011 is going to continue long after IBS 2011 is over. The homeowners have been gracious enough to put up a website where they are saying thank-you to all of the wonderful companies that have made this home a success. I also just found a great video on The Deconstruction of The Original Homes that shows how everything was recycled.
These homeowners went above and beyond to make sure that this New American Home was one of the best and most successful, and I'm thrilled that they have asked this Lifestylist® to help them add their life and style into their beautiful new home! Stay tuned to see the changes that we make.

It is FREEZING here today -last night a "northerner" blew in bringing ice, snow and frigid temperatures to Texas. Fortunately I went shopping yesterday and stocked the shelves of things this Lifestylist® loves to cook.

Vegetable soup is so easy to make from scratch - all it takes is your favorite vegetables, some chicken or vegetable stock and my secret ingredient - a few cans of Ro-Tel. I just prep all of the vegetables, put them in my slow cooker, add the stock and Ro-Tel and let it cook for 2 - 3 hours. It couldn't be easier and healthier. I make enough to last a few days so I can be as lazy as I want to.

It's beginning to look like the interest in The New American Home 2011 is going to continue long after IBS 2011 is over. The homeowners have been gracious enough to put up a website where they are saying thank-you to all of the wonderful companies that have made this home a success. I also just found a great video on The Deconstruction of The Original Homes that shows how everything was recycled.

These homeowners went above and beyond to make sure that this New American Home was one of the best and most successful, and I'm thrilled that they have asked this Lifestylist® to help them add their life and style into their beautiful new home! Stay tuned to see the changes that we make.